Tigers hurler Scherzer improves to 13-0

Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 3, 2013. He pitched 6 1/3 strong innings in a 6-2 victory over Toronto to become the first MLB hurler since 1986 to open a season 13-0. (Getty Images/AFP)

TORONTO (AFP) – Detroit Tigers' Max Scherzer pitched 6 1/3 strong innings in a 6-2 victory over Toronto to become the first Major League Baseball hurler since 1986 to open a season 13-0.

Scherzer is now one win away from matching Roger Clemens' 14-0 start to the 1986 campaign.

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He surrendered just two runs on seven hits in his 6 1/3 innings and struck out eight. He will have the opportunity to tie Clemens' mark on Monday in Cleveland.

Austin Jackson made two stand-out catches in center field to help Scherzer extend his streak, and the Tigers' four-run second inning off Toronto pitcher Josh Johnson staked Scherzer to an early lead.

Alex Avila hit a three-run home run while Victor Martinez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored for Detroit, who have won two straight after dropping six of seven.

Colby Rasmus and Maicer Izturis each drove in a run for Toronto, who have lost seven of their last 10 games. Josh Johnson gave up six runs -- one earned -- on seven hits over five innings to take the loss.